Richard Whittington Vose, Jr., 79, returned to his heavenly home on January 10, 2015 after a sudden illness. His devotion to his family, friends and his firm belief in God, supported him in his struggle, and ultimately gave him and his family peace.

Dick was born to the late Richard W. Vose, Sr. and Eunice Abigail Shepard Williams in Belmont, MA on June 4, 1935.

He was blessed with a wonderful family, and married his best friend, Jean (Howell) Vose, on December 22, 1979 in Norton, MA. He helped raise his four children with patience, humor, love and gentleness. He taught them to canoe, hike, identify birds, and often took them on camping trips to see the natural beauty of New England. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, patient, loving father who always encouraged them in life.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Jeffrey Vose and wife Tammy; daughter, Karen Rhodes and husband Scott; son, Glenn Vose; daughter, Lisa Peck and husband Richard; grandsons, Scott Rhodes, Eric Vose, Joshua Vose, Ryan Peck and Andrew Peck; granddaughters, Katelyn Rhodes and Riley Peck; and his dog, Honey. In addition, he has a Japanese daughter, Tomomi Okada and husband Jun with their children Rina and Takuma. She was their international home stay student while attending college.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Irene Martin Vose McGuiness; and his parents.

Dick was accomplished at carpentry and woodworking. He was a graduate of the Newton Trade School in Newton, MA where he studied cabinetry. He spent several years building houses and retired from Larkin Lumber Co., in Hudson, MA, where he operated their woodworking shop. He loved to travel, and in August of 2013 fulfilled a long held dream to return to Alaska for a 10-day land/cruise tour. He and Jean also enjoyed trips to Disney World, both with family and alone.

One of his passions was keeping bees in both Massachusetts and Maine. He and Jean were life members of the Worcester County Beekeepers in MA. They founded the Knox Lincoln County Beekeepers, and their annual Bee School. They were especially proud to be named the 2014 Maine State Beekeepers of the Year. One of his favorite summer-time activities was manning a beekeeping table at the local fairs. Dick could be found sitting next to the observation hive, telling the children all about the bees inside.

He was a member of the Nobleboro Historical Society and especially enjoyed hosting the summer open houses at the Historical Society. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

A time of visitation will be held from 7 - 9 pm on Friday, January 16 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 am, on Saturday, January 17 at the First Baptist Church, 71 Grace Avenue, Waldoboro, with a reception to follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dick’s life.

The family gratefully declines flowers, but donations may be sent to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556; NEW Missions, PO Box 2727, Orlando, FL, 32802; or Special Olympics of Maine, 125 John Roberts Rd, # 5, South Portland, ME 04106. The family thanks the Maine Medical Center SCU 3 staff for their care and compassion.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

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